Sometimes it seems as though if they didn't have bad luck, the Washington Nationals would have no luck at all. Currently mired in last place in the National League East with a 15-20 record, the Nationals have now had to place both of their top catchers on the disabled list.
Starter Paul Lo Duca, who signed a one-year contract with the Nationals over the off-season, was struck by a pitch in a recent game against the Houston Astros, suffering a broken right hand. Lo Duca is expected to be out of action for four to six weeks. The 36-year-old catcher had just returned to the lineup after missing several weeks with a deep bruise on the same hand. He had been struck by a pitch during an April 13 contest and may have returned too soon. He was trying to play through the soreness when he got plunked again on the same spot, this time breaking the bone.
With Lo Duca sidelined again, the Nationals would like to turn to backup catcher Johnny Estrada, but he also went to the disabled list. Estrada hasn't played since April 30 due to ulnar neuritis in his right elbow. Rest has done little to fix the problem, so Estrada will be returning to the doctor for further examination.
The catching duties will now fall to Will Nieves and Jesus Flores. Nieves is hitting .367 this season in 30 total at-bats, while Flores, who was recalled from Triple-A Columbus, posted a .364 average in 11 at-bats earlier this season.
